Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez: Rizal's Batman

  

Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez (1849-1928)

Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez, a Spanish Jesuit, held a special place in Rizal's heart as his favorite teacher at Ateneo, where the priest taught Literature. It was under Fr. Sanchez's guidance that the young Rizal delved into the treasures of Greek and Latin Classics. The priest's encouragement led Rizal to hone his literary talents, engaging in the crafting of essays and poetry. The relationship between mentor and student was characterized by mutual respect and admiration. Father Sanchez even staunchly defended Rizal's work, 'Noli Me Tangere.'

However, in a letter to Blumentritt dated May 1890, Rizal shared a nuanced description of the priest: "Father Sanchez is a keen observer, albeit somewhat pessimistic, often inclined to view the darker aspects of life. During our school days, he was often playfully referred to as a 'dark spirit,' and students affectionately nicknamed him 'Paniki,' a type of bat."

During Rizal's exile in Dapitan, Father Sanchez was dispatched by his Jesuit superiors to engage in a series of discussions aimed at reforming Rizal's radical views on the Catholic faith and the role of Spanish religious institutions in the Philippines. These conversations often escalated into intense debates and passionate arguments, with Father Sanchez struggling to sway Rizal's convictions. Despite these disagreements, their mutual admiration remained steadfast. The two also embarked on scientific expeditions in Dapitan, collecting various specimens from the region. Father Sanchez, serving as the curator of the Ateneo Museum at that time, saw many of these samples find their place in the Jesuit museum.

Rizal's influence extended beyond intellectual pursuits. In Dapitan, he initiated civic projects to enhance the town, including the transformation of the town plaza. Collaborating with Father Sanchez, he designed a relief map of Mindanao that still graces the square of Dapitan to this day.

Father Sanchez outlived his famous ward by many years, persisting in his missionary and scientific endeavors in Mindanao. .Yet the winds of change eventually swept over the island as well. In December 1898, two individuals, who were in fact brothers, asserting authority from Aguinaldo's revolutionary government in Malolos, assumed control of both the civil and military aspects of Mindanao. Caught in the midst of this tumultuous struggle, the Jesuit fathers, including Sanchez, found themselves under orders of detainment in Surigao. Father Sanchez was even target for liquidation.

On February 4, 1899, Father Sanchez, alongside several fellow Jesuit fathers, managed to evade detention and successfully escaped to Davao. From there, they set sail to Labuan Island (Malaysia). Nearly a month later, a ship retrieved them from Sandakan and transported them back to Zamboanga. By the conclusion of March 1899, they had embarked on a voyage to Manila, where they reached on April 2. The city was now under American control.

For two additional decades, Father Sanchez remained dedicated to his religious endeavors in the Philippines, skillfully balancing his duties between Manila and Mindanao. He even reached the remarkable milestone of celebrating his 60th year as a Jesuit—an occasion marked by fond memories and affection from both his contemporaries and former students.

On July 21, 1928, afflicted by a longstanding stomach ailment, Father Sanchez peacefully passed away. His final resting place became the La Loma Cemetery, Paang Bundok—interestingly, the very location that Rizal himself had expressed a desire to be interred.

Austin Coates, Rizal's British biographer, aptly noted: "Sanchez continued to hold Rizal in high regard throughout his life, frequently referencing him in his teachings. As an educator himself, Father Sanchez's harshest admonishment to his students was that they fell short of the standards set by Pepito."

Spain and its educational system profoundly impacted Rizal's journey. He articulated and penned his ideas in the Spanish language. The most notable names of Filipinos, including Rizal, Plaridel, Luna, and others, were nurtured by Spanish mentors like Father Sanchez.

Rizal in his early years in Ateneo

 Rizal's Mindanao relief map, Dapitan. The photo was taken in early 1900.

 

Relief Map of Mindanao by Jose Rizal
Photo was taken September 2018 (Wikimedia Commons)

Ateneo Municipal, when it was still in Intramuros

Things haven't changed since the 19nth Century. Students nowadays still give strange nicknames to teachers and professors even to their favorites. In the case of our national hero, it was 'Paniki.' Perhaps much better if we just simply call Father Sanchez--'Batman.'..
So, to the bat cave!